The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

The Inheritance Games #1

Rating: ★★★★☆

Dates Read: 2/20/23 - 2/21/23

    Avery Grambs had a simple plan for her future: escape high school, win a scholarship, and make a better life for herself. But her life takes an unexpected turn when billionaire Tobias Hawthorne passes away, leaving Avery an enormous fortune. The strange part? Avery has no idea why she was chosen or who Tobias Hawthorne even is.

    To claim her inheritance, Avery must move into the mysterious Hawthorne House, a sprawling mansion filled with secret passages and filled with puzzles, riddles, and codes, all of which were beloved by the enigmatic old man. However, the house is not empty; it's also occupied by the Hawthorne family, whom Tobias Hawthorne has just cut off from their inheritance. Among them are the four Hawthorne grandsons: Grayson, Jameson, and two others who are dangerous, magnetic, and brilliant.

    Grayson is convinced that Avery is a conwoman, determined to expose her. Jameson sees her as a final puzzle left behind by their grandfather. Trapped in a world of opulence and treachery, with danger lurking at every corner, Avery must navigate this web of wealth and privilege and play the game herself to survive.

    This book took me on an unexpected rollercoaster ride! I have to admit, I wasn't prepared for the twist at the end, and it left me utterly intrigued and eager for more. I can't wait to dive into the next installment! Initially, I had some reservations about whether this book would truly captivate me, but boy, was I wrong! The author skillfully weaves a tale full of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very last page, and that cliffhanger ending left me craving more.

    The fast-paced and exciting nature of the story made it such a thrilling read. I loved how the book explored the downsides of wealth, showcasing the struggle of not knowing who to trust when everyone seems interested in your money. Yet, it doesn't completely condemn wealth, which I appreciated. The balance struck in the narrative, avoiding the cliché "money can't buy happiness" trope, was refreshing. With an abundance of riddles and mysteries, the book had me engaged from start to finish. The concept of a mysterious inheritance intertwined with games and puzzles was so much fun and exceeded my expectations.

    

    What a relief to find out that this is just the first book in a series! The ending left me with so many unanswered questions, and I was on the verge of going crazy trying to figure it all out. Now, knowing that there's more to come, I can't wait to quench my curiosity and see how the story unfolds!